Interfaces For Thinkers: Computer Input Capabilities That Support Inferential Reasoning

Recent research has revealed that basic computer input capabilities can substantially facilitate or impede people's ability to produce ideas and solve problems correctly. This research asks: What type of interface provides best support for inferential reasoning in both low- and high-performing students? Students' ability to make accurate inferences about science and everyday reasoning tasks was compared while they used: (1) non-digital pen and paper, ( 2) a digital pen and paper interface, ( 3) pen tablet interface, and ( 4) graphical tablet interface. Correct inferences averaged 10.5% higher when using a digital pen interface, compared with the tablet interfaces. Further analyses revealed that overgeneralization and redundancy errors were more common when using the tablet interfaces and among low performers. Implications are discussed for designing more effective computational thinking tools.